Seabass has not been harshly treated by the handicapper Phil Smith, with just 4lb more on his back. But the stand out well-handicapped runner is the Paul Nicholls trained Tidal Bay, who is likely to be ridden by Ruby Walsh.

Nicholls, the trainer of last year’s winner Neptune Collonges, could not hide his delight.

“The horse is in tremendous shape and runs off a 4lb lower mark than his current rating,” said Nicholls.

“He ran a tremendous race in the Hennessy, when second, giving 6lb to the Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite, Bobs Worth.”